Last Updated: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:57
Ian Holloway says he is proud of his Blackpool players for their performance in the 3-2 defeat to West Brom but admits the result hurt.
The Seasiders looked to be heading for a share of the spoils on Wednesday night before referee Dave Foster awarded the Baggies a penalty with seven minutes to go and Graham Doorans coolly converted from the spot.
Despite the defeat, Holloway said he had been happy with the way his players performed as he saw new signing Stephen Dobbie score on his debut and DJ Campbell make a sparkling return to Bloomfield Road.
"I think we are making great strides forward and on the night we just ran out of time," said Holloway.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere, a fantastic game of football and I was very proud of those Tangerines, not for losing but for the way they played and the character they showed.
"I know I said the West Brom and Leicester games were crucial but just because we've lost the first game, I believe it's made me realise we are a better side than I thought we were - and that's what I am very pleased about.
"After the match I felt like I'd been punched around a little bit, because we played so well but didn't get what we should have."